The President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has announced that the Senate Chamber has begun the consideration of House bills in the Senate.
He made the announcement at the Open Week of the House of Representatives, held in Abuja.
He said that the Senate consideres six bills last week and for today.
The consideration followed the stepping down of senate bills in the House of Representatives and a threath not to pass any of the Senate bills in the House following the non passage of one hundred and forty six House bills in the Senate chamber.
“Mr. Speaker, why are we sitting today? We are sitting today because last week you sent message to us that there was need for us to undertake concurrence of most of the bills of the House of Representatives. So, let me start by reporting to you that last week, we passed six of your bills and today, even if it takes us till six pm, we are going to finish with four and then tomorrow we will continue. We want to surprise you, just to let you know that we do not joke with you and the chamber reciprocity must always be upheld”. Senator Akpabio said.
He noted that the Senate is proud of the House of Representatives taking the lead in the Open Week, saying that the Senate will follow suit.
He also said that in the coming years, both chambers would hold the open week together.
” I think the open week is a major innovation into parliamentary process. It is very important for the public to know what we do here,” he stated.
The Senate President also said that the open week bis very important as it would enlighten Nigerians on the functions of the national assembly.
He also commended the House for being the most peaceful House since the inception of democracy.
Senator Akpabio also said that the Open week gives lawmakers the opportunity to talk to themselves and correct some impressions.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas in his remarks said that the Open Week programme reflects the commitment to an open parliament that listens and responds to citizens.
” From Tuesday, July 8, to Thursday, July 10, we will host thematic sessions and interactive events designed to deepen engagement. On Tuesday, participants will discuss Nutrition and Food Security with experts from government, civil society and development partners.
” Wednesday features the Special Seat Bill dialogue on women’s representation, a forum on the constitutional role of traditional rulers and an afternoon session on the economy and citizen participation. Thursday’s agenda includes workshops on youth involvement in politics, live media interactions with leadership and a closing dinner. I invite civil society, academia, the private sector and the public to attend, share insights and help strengthen our legislative process,” Mr. Abbas said.
He said that the occasion is also used to launch the mid-term legislative scorecard of the 10th House of Representatives.
“Two years ago, Nigerians entrusted us with their aspirations, and since then, we have pursued transparency, inclusion, and accountability in all our actions.
“As of 30 June 2025, the House has passed 237 bills and forwarded them for presidential assent, of which 55 have been signed into law. These enactments include the Tax Reform Laws, comprising the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Act, which simplify the tax code and harmonise revenue collection across tiers of government. The Electricity Act (Amendment) 2023 transfers electricity to the Concurrent Legislative List, empowering both federal and state governments to legislate on power generation, transmission, and distribution. The Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024 establishes the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) as an independent body to expand access to tertiary education.
” In security and governance, the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act creates a centre to curb illicit firearms. At the same time, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act 2023 modernises our defence production framework. Cybersecurity received a boost through the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Protection) (Amendment) Act 2024. Six Regional Development Commissions were established to drive region-specific growth. To protect livelihoods, the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 raised the statutory wage, and the Nigeria Police (Amendment) Act 2024 strengthened police professionalism. The Finance Act (Amendment) 2024 aligned fiscal policy with economic priorities, and the Judiciary Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc.) Act 2024 revised judicial remuneration to safeguard independence. The Central Bank of Nigeria Act (Establishment) (Amendment) Act modernises the apex bank’s mandate. Other statutes include the Nigeria Anti-Doping Act 2025, the Investments and Securities Act 2025, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act 2025, and several Acts that establish new universities and specialised institutions to broaden educational opportunities,” Mr Abbas said.
He noted that the legislative backlog in the House includes bills awaiting Senate or presidential approval, such as the Oath Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, which modernises oath administration laws; the Federal Fire and Rescue Service Bill, to improve emergency response; and the Federal Audit Service (Amendment) Bill, which enhances transparency.
He also said that regarding constitutional reform, the House is considering 109 amendment bills across various sectors, including electoral, judicial, legislative, and inclusive governance.
The Speaker also pointed out that the mid-term scorecard presented today serves as both a mirror and a compass.
” It shows our progress, acknowledges our shortcomings, and guides our course for the remaining two years. We will intensify our legislative work, bolster oversight, deepen public engagement, and advance reforms that strengthen governance, promote inclusive development, and safeguard our democracy“.
He urged every Nigerian to see the National Assembly as their parliament, engage with them, hold them to account and partner with them to address shared challenges.
“Democracy thrives when citizens and institutions work in concert,” the Speaker added.
Former Speakers of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Etteh, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and other guests at the event, commended the House of Representatives for the Open NASS initiative.
They also adjudged the Speaker of the House, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas as the best speaker so far to have led the House.
On her part the Minister of Women Affairs who was represented by the Director General National Center For Women Development Dr. Asabe Bashir, lauded the House for clamouring for special seats for women as championed by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Benjamin Kalu.
Development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, the European Union, PLAC, KAS, YIAGA-Africa, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth unanimously agreed that the open week was a wonderful initiative.
Confidence Okwuchi